Val Okimoto, State Representative for Hawaii's District 36, considers connecting with her constituents to be her greatest accomplishment, including being on a first-name basis with much of her community. 

In her Know Your Electeds interview, Okimoto explains that if she could pass any bill tomorrow, she would focus on improving the lives of Hawaiian citizens and retaining local talent. 

If Okimoto wasn't in public service, she would be a pastry chef or a step aerobics instructor. The first thing she does when she gets to her office is greet her staff, who she greatly respects.